Teen ace Taylor Moss to share the court with stars

LIVERPOOL’S Taylor Moss will share a court with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray after being given the thumbs up by former British No.1 Greg Rusedski at the Barclays Ball Kids National Trial.

LIVERPOOL’S Taylor Moss will share a court with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray after being given the thumbs up by former British No.1 Greg Rusedski at the Barclays Ball Kids National Trial.

The 13-year-old King David High School pupil fought off competition from 99 other young hopefuls at Westway Sports Centre in London, winning a place as one of 30 ball kids to star at November’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2.

Moss was tested on agility, endurance, ball skills, balance, speed and team work in the capital and clearly did enough to impress Rusedski and Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey.

And the Palmerstone Tennis Club starlet admitted he is now counting down the days until he gets to rub shoulders with the likes of Djokovic, Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“I am going to ring all my friends straight away to tell them that I am going,” said Moss, who beat off competition from thousands of 12-16 year-olds to make the final 30. It is a really big deal and I can’t wait to go as I have been working as hard as I can to try and make sure I am selected.

“I would be so nervous meeting the players but I bet it would be an amazing experience.”

The nationwide Barclays Ball Kids search began in January with Moss – whose favourite player is Federer – qualifying from the North West regional trial at the David Lloyd Trafford Club in Manchester.

And Rusedski, who along with Petchey selected the lucky winners, admitted Moss caught his eye the moment he walked through the door.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for these kids because if you love your tennis then you get to see the eight best players in the world and be on the same court as them,” said Rusedski, who reached No.4 in the world during his playing days.

“Right now we are going through a really magical era of tennis stars and to think that Taylor will be alongside them is brilliant.

“Narrowing it down to just 30 was very difficult but it does ensure we have the best of the best come November at the O2 and Taylor certainly is one of them.”

FOR more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London in November, you can visit ww.barclaysballkids.com